smithmom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2007
- Messages
- 202
Hi all!
My family of 10 (4 adults and 6 kids ranging from 9-17) are heading to Disney in July... We're looking for the Fun Adventures that are under promoted but can make a vacation really special. Here are a few things we've planned and perhaps can open up ideas for another family's vacation to be just a little extra special.
Illuminations Cruise for one night for my nephews birthday. This is something I stumbled across years ago and have booked every vacation afterwards. I love this adventure. Pontoon boat pick you up at Yacht and Beach club, tours the waters around Boardwalk and MGM then parks under the bridge at Epcot so you have a front row seat for Illuminations. Cost is around $350. Boat holds 10 people and they have snacks and drinks on board for everyone! I love this and wouldn't miss it.
Pirate Cruise This one's really fun for the little ones. I believe the meeting place for this was the Contemporary and there's a private room with snacks and everyone gets to meet and take pictures with the cast of Peter Pan! There's a lot of people dressed up and it's a lot of fun. You are brought out to a boat and we got to the see the electrical parade from the water and Magic Kingdom fireworks. Peter Pan was amazing, playing card tricks for the kids and really interacting with them on a personal level. There were also a lot of sing-a-longs on the boat.
Wishes Dessert Party A special deck roped off at the Magic Kingdom with access to unlimited desserts while the Wishes fireworks goes off. Tinkerbell flies (on a clear night) from the castle, right over your head. I loved the location of this, but, in my opinion, the desserts were a little too rich for me and my kids (who love the simple cookies and ice cream bars). I forget the price of this, but I would highly recommend it for a dessert connoisseur.
Hoop De Doo Review A really fun country Hoedown! Everyone is in on the fun, from the actors on the stage to waiters and waitresses and the guests all get involved too! This is a great show and is located at Camp Wilderness (Which is worth the trip over to see it!)
Mickey's Backyard BBQ Another great show. All you can eat BBQ food and a really fun interactive show from the Fab5 and friends. This is also held at an arena at Camp Wilderness. When I tried to book this for our vacation, I learned that this show is closing soon, not sure what's replacing it (hopefully something good).
Polynesian Luau Great show with lots of fun drinks for the adults and authentic(ish) cuisine. For this you sit on long long tables and the Luau is on the stage in front of you. Be aware that small ones who are picky eaters could have a tough time at this one, but they're pretty accommodating... just ask for what you need! There's some volunteers from the audience pulled up but mostly the show is put on my the actors and they are great!
Keys of the Kingdom Tour An am amazing backstage look at the going ons in the Magic Kingdom. You tour the parts of the MK that aren't open to the public and learn a lot about how it all comes together. Because of the content I believe this is a 16 & up tour, but if you're heading on vacation with adults I HIGHLY recommend this. I believe it was $60/person when I did this, but that was back in 2001 so I'm sure it's more now.
Flag Family at Wilderness Lodge We were lucky enough to get this privilege when we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge in 2008. One lucky family gets to go up on the roof of the Wilderness Lodge and Raise the flags in a ceremonious fashion. My kids helped up fold the flags and hoist them up! We were also welcome to visit the Club level afterwards and take part in their continental breakfast, which the kids loved! Things to know - this is very difficult to get but ask about it when you check in - they won't let you book it before then. Also, there's a very narrow staircase as you get up to the top... my mom was a bit scared and almost couldn't make the stairs but she's a trooper and did it!
Anyone have any other adventures just waiting if you know to ask about them??
My family of 10 (4 adults and 6 kids ranging from 9-17) are heading to Disney in July... We're looking for the Fun Adventures that are under promoted but can make a vacation really special. Here are a few things we've planned and perhaps can open up ideas for another family's vacation to be just a little extra special.
Illuminations Cruise for one night for my nephews birthday. This is something I stumbled across years ago and have booked every vacation afterwards. I love this adventure. Pontoon boat pick you up at Yacht and Beach club, tours the waters around Boardwalk and MGM then parks under the bridge at Epcot so you have a front row seat for Illuminations. Cost is around $350. Boat holds 10 people and they have snacks and drinks on board for everyone! I love this and wouldn't miss it.
Pirate Cruise This one's really fun for the little ones. I believe the meeting place for this was the Contemporary and there's a private room with snacks and everyone gets to meet and take pictures with the cast of Peter Pan! There's a lot of people dressed up and it's a lot of fun. You are brought out to a boat and we got to the see the electrical parade from the water and Magic Kingdom fireworks. Peter Pan was amazing, playing card tricks for the kids and really interacting with them on a personal level. There were also a lot of sing-a-longs on the boat.
Wishes Dessert Party A special deck roped off at the Magic Kingdom with access to unlimited desserts while the Wishes fireworks goes off. Tinkerbell flies (on a clear night) from the castle, right over your head. I loved the location of this, but, in my opinion, the desserts were a little too rich for me and my kids (who love the simple cookies and ice cream bars). I forget the price of this, but I would highly recommend it for a dessert connoisseur.
Hoop De Doo Review A really fun country Hoedown! Everyone is in on the fun, from the actors on the stage to waiters and waitresses and the guests all get involved too! This is a great show and is located at Camp Wilderness (Which is worth the trip over to see it!)
Mickey's Backyard BBQ Another great show. All you can eat BBQ food and a really fun interactive show from the Fab5 and friends. This is also held at an arena at Camp Wilderness. When I tried to book this for our vacation, I learned that this show is closing soon, not sure what's replacing it (hopefully something good).
Polynesian Luau Great show with lots of fun drinks for the adults and authentic(ish) cuisine. For this you sit on long long tables and the Luau is on the stage in front of you. Be aware that small ones who are picky eaters could have a tough time at this one, but they're pretty accommodating... just ask for what you need! There's some volunteers from the audience pulled up but mostly the show is put on my the actors and they are great!
Keys of the Kingdom Tour An am amazing backstage look at the going ons in the Magic Kingdom. You tour the parts of the MK that aren't open to the public and learn a lot about how it all comes together. Because of the content I believe this is a 16 & up tour, but if you're heading on vacation with adults I HIGHLY recommend this. I believe it was $60/person when I did this, but that was back in 2001 so I'm sure it's more now.
Flag Family at Wilderness Lodge We were lucky enough to get this privilege when we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge in 2008. One lucky family gets to go up on the roof of the Wilderness Lodge and Raise the flags in a ceremonious fashion. My kids helped up fold the flags and hoist them up! We were also welcome to visit the Club level afterwards and take part in their continental breakfast, which the kids loved! Things to know - this is very difficult to get but ask about it when you check in - they won't let you book it before then. Also, there's a very narrow staircase as you get up to the top... my mom was a bit scared and almost couldn't make the stairs but she's a trooper and did it!
Anyone have any other adventures just waiting if you know to ask about them??
